Throughout the last few weeks I've been focussing a lot on the background research and urban analysis of the project, and to some extent have neglected the architectural response. As it stands, there are some issues with the project which I need to address to bring it to a successful conclusion. The main two are:
- The old Gasometers, an integral part of the site's heritage and character, are ignored within the current scheme
- Although the site is largely empty, there is no relationship or coherence between my design and the builders warehouse (the only existing structure other than the Gasometers) leading to a further lack of cohesion
In order to try and resolve these problems, what follows is a quick re-cap of the research I've conducted, the conclusions I've drawn and the resulting approach to the site:
Research
- There is a disparity between the city centres and suburbs of Nottingham following the decline of industry. This has resulted in many of the suburbs, and particularly New Basford, becoming little more than residential districts rather than contributive pieces of city: people have to go into the centre to work/shop/eat out etc.
- Key texts Towards an Urban Renaissance and Collage City (details are elsewhere on the blog) have given me an understanding of how building typologies and densities can contribute to cities working and an alternative to dealing with large sites than a comprehensive masterplan, respectively.
- An Area Strategy has been formulated that centres upon the creation or propagation of Green Routes throughout New Basford; a recognition, or reinvention, of the areas Industrial Heritage and a considered approach of any new intervention to respect the existing Urban Fabric.
Therefore, over the next week or so I will be re-assessing my approach to the site through various explorations and models in an attempt to bring these aspects of the project to bear more successfully.
